Skip to content
Save up to 70% on Area Rugs
Learn More
Ceramic vs. Porcelain: What's the Difference?

Ceramic vs. Porcelain: What's the Difference?

The terms "ceramic" and "porcelain" often get thrown around interchangeably, but they're not one and the same. Here are some important differences to keep in mind as you consider your options for tile:

Differences Between Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile

What are Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are similarly manufactured from baking clays, however what really separates them is their density and durability.

 

 

    • Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures for a longer time than ceramic, which makes them more durable and denser—practically completely water-resistant

 

    • Ceramic tiles are more delicate and less porous, meaning they can easily absorb water.

 

Appearance of Porcelain vs. Ceramic

Another factor that sets these types of tiles apart is their appearance. With today's technology and ever changing trends, both tiles can be any color or pattern imaginable.

 

 

    • Porcelain's color or design is carried through its entire body. So if they happen to get chipped, it's not as obvious.

 

    • Ceramic tile designs and colors are printed on the surface and protected with a type of glaze. So if these tiles get chipped, it'll be more noticeable since the body of the tile is a different color than the surface.

 

density of ceramic and porcelain tiles
Density of each tile
Photo courtesy of wikihow
colors of ceramic and porcelain tile
Photo courtesy of mkrs.info

Cost of Porcelain vs. Ceramic

While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences. Porcelain tiles are therefore more expensive than ceramic tiles.

Uses of Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile

 

 

    • Ceramic tiles, since they're more delicate, are great for areas that don't have excessive traffic. And with the vast amount of colors and design options available, they're perfect for accent walls and kitchen back splashes.

 

    • Porcelain tiles are typically more durable so they're great to use on exterior walls, countertops or even as flooring (both indoors and outdoors!) We often see porcelain tile as living room and bathroom flooring because of their capability to withstand foot traffic.

 


Gemini Porcelain Tile in White

 

Vaprice blue patterned porcelain tile
Caprice 7 7/8 x 7 7/8 Patterned Tile in Sapphire

There are pros and cons for both porcelain and ceramic tiles, but there's no denying that each one can be a great addition to your space renovation. It's just always a good idea to weigh your options before making a decision.


At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!

Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.

If you have any questions, please email us.

Updated on 6/8/22

Brick, NJ

540 Rt. 70 West
Brick, NJ 08723
(732) 899-4477

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Find More Showrooms

Avalon, NJ

2209 Dune Drive
Avalon, New Jersey 08202
Phone: (609) 961-4200

Showroom Hours

MON: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TUE: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WED: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

THU: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

FRI: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SAT: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SUN: Closed

Find More Showrooms

Deptford, NJ

1420 Almonesson Road
Deptford NJ 08096
(856) 812-6120

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Cherry Hill, NJ

2030 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7AM
Pick Up Hours
Monday-Saturday: Pick Up Available until 6PM
Sunday: Warehouse Closed - No Pick Up Available

Find More Showrooms

Egg Harbor Twp, NJ

3157 Fire Road
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
(609) 641-2770

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30 AM
Find More Showrooms

King of Prussia, PA

316 S. Henderson Road
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 233-3100

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Langhorne, PA

2343 East Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
(267) 580-412

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Manahawkin, NJ

651 Route 72 East
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
(609) 978-9700

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Manalapan, NJ

29 U.S. 9
Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
(732) 812-6500

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Ocean City, NJ

1158 Asbury Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 525-0400

Showroom Hours

MON: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TUE: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WED: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

THU: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

FRI: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SAT: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Ocean Township, NJ

1500 State Route 35 S.
Ocean Township, NJ 07712
(732) 380-5640

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30 AM Monday-Friday
Opens at 8 AM Saturday
Find More Showrooms

Philadelphia, PA

48 Snyder Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 236-1600

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7AM
Find More Showrooms

Rio Grande, NJ

1111 Rte. 47 South
Rio Grande, NJ 08242
(609) 465-3051

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Shrewsbury, NJ

89 Newman Springs Road E
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
(848) 300-4400

Showroom Hours

MON: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

TUE: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

WED: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

THU: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

FRI: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

SAT: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

SUN: CLOSED

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Toms River, NJ

2323 Route 37
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 929-8300

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms

Warrington, PA

644 Easton Road
Warrington, PA 18976
(215) 491-3700

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7AM
Find More Showrooms

Wilmington, DE

5510 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 757-7500

Showroom Hours

MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

TUE: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

WED: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM

THU: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SAT: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SUN: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contractor Counter

Opens at 7:30AM
Find More Showrooms